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Welcome to the National Sorry Day Committee

The Bringing them home report (BTH Report) recommended (Recommendation No 7.a) that a National Sorry Day be held each year on 26 May “to commemorate the history of forcible removals and its effects.” As a result of this recommendation the community-based organisation the National Sorry Day Committee was formed.

The NSDC was established in 1998 and has been incorporated since January 2001. From the beginning, the NSDC has worked with the commitment, dedication and involvement of both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.

The NSDC is unique because it’s networks and memberships are made up of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous volunteers, including members of the Stolen Generations. It operates on a reconciliatory basis that upholds a positive partnership between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. Since the NSDC’s initial formation, each State and Territory has established affiliated Sorry Day Committees/Networks. The names of these affiliated bodies today reflect the broad spectrum of groups that the National Sorry Day Committee membership consists of. The various affiliates are known as either the Journey of Healing, Bringing Them Home, Sorry Day, Stolen Generations or Link Up. Over the years it has gathered a varied and wide support base from numerous organisations who are also committed to fighting for the rights of Indigenous Australians.

The NSDC has a mandate from the Stolen Generations, through our affiliated Regional/ State / Territory bodies. With the ongoing support of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians the NSDC continues to work in unity with the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, social justice and community organisations, so that the 54 recommendations of the BTH report are finally achieved.